Lancashire residents urged to have their say in police crime survey

With policing in Lancashire adapting to the financial constraints of decreasing budgets, the Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a new online survey and roadshow events to allow residents the chance to have their say on the service.

As pressures on policing grow and resources are reduced, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has launched the survey to gauge community views on priorities around crime and policing in order to inform his Police and Crime Plan, which sets out how the police and community safety partners work together to keep Lancashire safe.

"Year-on-year we have less money to deliver policing in Lancashire as a result of growing demand and rising costs due to inflation," said Commissioner Grunshaw. "With the Government not providing any extra resources but passing the burden onto council tax payers, I want to get a clear view from the public about their priorities and how safe they feel.

"I know people will have concerns about recorded crime going up and police having to respond to more non-crime issues as cuts to other services like mental health continue to bite," he added. "Having made savings of £84m since 2010 with a further £18m to find by 2022, Lancashire's police service will continue to have to adapt."

Launched on July 27th, the online survey will be available for residents to express their views until September 10th, while the commissioner will also be at Asda in Colne on August 17th from 10am to midday for a roadshow event where people can also voice any concerns or ask any questions.

"With fewer officers and resources it is even more important to ensure that our plans meet operational needs but also public priorities," Mr Grunshaw explained. "The Chief Constable and I have a shared ambition for the Constabulary to remain as one of the top forces in the country and to be recognised as an outstanding service.

"Listening to people's views is an important part of this process," he added.